Selecting The Right Torch and Learning Basic Soldering Instructions Can Make your Jewelry Making Easier

Soldering Instructions: A torch is one of the important staples to have in a well equipped jewelry studio. However, soldering brings many different elements that are too important not to discuss on this article.

First and foremost is safety. When you first start making jewelry, you have a natural fear of the fire, yet as you continue your work the fear may turn into contempt.

This is when accidents happen. In order to prevent accidents it is important that you are well educated in the use and care of the soldering equipment.

Always follow the soldering instructions carefully.

• Spend time learning how to solder and reading instructions that come with the equipment you purchase – Talk to the people that set your tank and ask for specifics on how to transport and care for the tank and components.


• Learn everything you can about your equipment – most manufacturers today include detailed safety soldering instructions. Read them carefully and don’t wait until things fail.


• Check with your insurance agent about proper coverage. You home insurance may not cover you home business.



Another important element is the ENVIRONMENT in which you work with fire.


Proper ventilation is essential. Because the expense involved in setting exhaust systems people neglect including the right ventilation needed when using a torch. When money is an object consider the following alternatives:


• Install an exhaust hood that is powerful enough to create a positive flow of air away from you and direct it to the outside vent.
  

• Another alternative is an open window with a fan on the opposite side of the room. This will give you some ventilation while you solder. The drawback is that the air flow may blow your flame.
  

• Another appropriate alternative and safeguard is the use of a respirator – yet it may be uncomfortable to wear.
  

  Now let’s talk about flame proofing the station where you are planning work.
  

  The entire area needs to be covered with non-flammable materials. High fired ceramic tiles are a good choice to protect the work area. Do not solder on top of them, use a charcoal block or non-asbestos pad on top of the tile. Rio Grande sells a Solderite pad in several sizes.
  

  It is important to understand of the materials used with a this type of equipment. The gases we use for soldering are, by their very nature flammable and thus considered dangerous. These include:
  

• Acetylene
• Propane
• Natural gas
• Hydrogen
• MAPP
• Oxygen
  

  Torches use a combination of a gas plus oxygen. Now for the equipment:
  

• Become very familiar with all your soldering equipment, and maintain it on a regular basis.
  

  All torching equipment sold today is coded:
  

• Red hose for fuel
• Green hose for oxygen>

  The connections are also coded :
  

• Fuel fittings have a left hand thread and are marked with a groove on the screw nut.
  

• Oxygen fittings are right hand threads and don’t have a groove.
  

  Maintaining the torch equipment:
  

• The number one rule is USE NO OIL – when mixed with gases it becomes explosive.
• Have the equipment checked by an expert at the place where you buy the gas. Make sure there are not leaks.
  
  TORCH SAFETY DO
  

• Install safety ventilation.
• Practice regular maintenance on all the equipment: Tanks, hoses, heads, regulators, tips, valves.
• Know your equipment and materials.
• Protect yourself and the environment.
• Keep your soldering area neat and clean.
• Secure large tanks on a cart to a wall.
• Open valves slowly




Following this basic soldering instructions will ensure that you purchase a torch that will last a long time.


Learn how to use the soldering instructions to reticulate metal




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